Tina C made this post on the previous installment entitled Your Portfolio, this is a precise example of what I was describing. Clearly her company has embraced the Deming model.
I just
returned from a whirlwind business trip to Dallas for my company's
annual meeting. For those of you not out in the job market (in your
desired profession) yet, "be prepared" is very good advice. This
company set out 5 years ago to double in size and revenue, they did.
They plan to repeat in the next 5 years. While other firms are laying
off or not offering full time postions to interns, this company is
hiring and giving pay increases and manged to end its fiscal year with
a nice positive bottom line.
At the annual meeting this morning, there were some quotes from the
former CEO of GE (I had been planning on visiting the GE website
anyway), reference to a book (which I jotted the name down for my next
book report) along with other references, visions and plans. Every one
from interns to partners were mingling and talking (350 of us, soon to
be 400 with the fall interns and new hires). It was like a constant
test of knowledge, skill, tact and networking ability. A pop test where
you do not know who might ask what question of you! It was enjoyable
watching those who did well and almost painful watching those that
fumbled. The partners were also noticing who mingled and who hung back
in their comfort zone.
I've also recently had the opportunity to visit with intern
prospects from several different colleges both in Texas and from
neighboring states. Only so many will be offered positions. Grades
matter, references matter but being able to "talk the talk" and
represent yourself with poise and self-confidence about your area of
study goes much further than you could imagine.
No matter what your field, communication (written, not texting, and
oral communication), networking, knowing what is going on in the world
around you could possibly make the difference in who gets the job and
who doesn't.
Professor Elam 
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